Japug

The Japug is a hybrid mix between the two parent breeds, Japanese Chin and Pug. This loving little dog is a small breed that tends to like quiet times with his owner and lots of naps. He isn't overly high energy, and although he is very gentle, the Japug tends to dislike interaction with small children. While not aggressive, he will tend to shy away from their loud noises and grabby hands, much preferring the lower voices of the elderly. Such a sweet and even-tempered personality is great for anyone who is looking for a dog that doesn't require too much work. When it comes to maintenance, the Japug sheds moderately and, due to his shorter fur, prefers warmer temperatures. Taking after the appearance of the Pug, the Japug has a short and sturdy body with a squashed nose and little folded ears. You can most often see the Japancese Chin in this hybrid breed's appearance within the facial features; with a squished up, happy smile, round muzzle, and big eyes. Because he is easy to train, low energy, and very loving, the Japug may be the perfect breed of dog for those in small homes or elderly owners who are looking for an even-tempered companion.

Purpose

Companion

Date of Origin

2000's

Ancestry

Pug and Japanese Chin

Japug Health

Average Size

Height: 8-13 inchesWeight: 7-20 lbs

Height: 8-13 inchesWeight: 7-20 lbs

Major Concerns

Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca

Minor Concerns

Entropion

Demodicosis

Cataracts

Hemivertebrae

Skin Fold Dermatitis

Meningitis

Brachycephalic Syndrome

Exposure Keratopathy Syndrome

Sick Sinus Syndrome

Atopy Dermatitis

Occasional Diagnoses

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Spina Bifida

Occasional Tests

Blood Test

Spine

Skin Evaluation

Eye Examinations

Full Physical Examination

Japug Breed History

Just like many other hybrid breeds, the Japug is relatively new, and therefore doesn't have a very detailed origin story yet. Despite this fact, we are able to get a lot of historical information about this dog thanks to his parent breeds; the Japanese Chin and the pug. Information about the Japug's history is very important because it gives us an idea of why he may have been created and what character traits may have been passed down to him based on his ancestors. To start out, let's take a look at the Pug's history. While not much is known about the Pug's early history, it is believed that the breed was first created in China. As a toy sized dog, the Pug was an excellent companion to the royal families as they were portable and adorable to behold. Eventually, the Pug made his way into Holland by way of a few Portuguese traders, most likely around the 16th century. From there, after stealing the hearts of the nobility in the Dutch Royal court, the Pug was taken to England in 1689 after the overthrow of James II. Ever since then, the Pug has remained a fan favorite. Upon reaching America, the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in the year 1885. Today, Pugs are used as show and companion dogs all over the world. The second dog used in the Japug's lineage is the Japanese Chin. This flat-faced breed is one that originated in Asia around 2,000 years ago. At first, the Japanese Chin was known as the "Imperial Chin" due to his popularity in the Japanese Imperial court. He was a favorite to be given as gifts to visiting nobles, and in this way, he eventually made his way to the Western world. In the mid-19th century, after Commodore Matthew Perry ended the isolation of Japan from the rest of the world, he presented a Japanese Chin to President Franklin Pierce. It wasn't long before this toy breed made its way into Europe and the United States, becoming registered with the American Kennel Club in 1888; which makes it one of the oldest breeds recognized by that group. Today, this breed is used for showing and as a faithful companion animal. By combining these two small breeds, we get a big personality in a little body. While the Japug may not be the most active dog in the world, he does have a big heart with lots of love to give to his owner. He makes a wonderful companion for the elderly, and would be a great choice for anyone who wants to purchase a dog without dealing with too much naughty behavior. Overall, the Japug is a sweet, even-tempered, and loving dog who will happily spend his days cuddled at his owner's feet.

Japug Breed Appearance

The Japug is a small dog, not reaching over 20 pounds, that greatly resembles the Pug. While this breed does have some semblance of the Japanese Chin captured in his adorable facial features, the overall appearance of this breed is like the Pug; short and square, with a smashed face, and buggy eyes. It is important to remember, however, that as a hybrid breed the appearance of the Japug can vary greatly, even within the same litter. Despite this fact, the typical appearance of this breed is comprised of a short and course coat that doesn't shed often; making him a great choice for those who have slight allergies or who doesn't want to deal with a lot of dog fur lying around the house. His large eyes are always a very dark brown, and his ears are small triangles that widen his already rounded out face. The tail is curled over the back in a little spiral and his facial features always seem slightly snooty, in a comical way.

Eye Color Possibilities

Brown

Nose Color Possibilities

Black

Coat Color Possibilities

Black

White

Fawn

Silver

Coat Length

ShortMediumLong

Coat Density

SparseNormalDense

Coat Texture

StraightWiryWavyCurlyCorded

Japug Breed Maintenance

The Japug is a very easy dog to take care of. His short and smooth coat does not shed often and requires very little brushing to keep it healthy and clean. While the Japug does not have a bad doggy odor, bathing will need to occur every few weeks or when he is especially dirty, and the folds on his face will need to be cleaned out often. Because this breed can suffer from fold dermatitis, it is important to clean off the skin on his face carefully, so that no food or other substances can cause the skin to smell. Be sure to clean out the Japug's ears often as well. Because they are folded over, any extra moisture that is trapped inside can cause infection and irritation; but, if cleaned often these issues can be avoided. Besides brushing and bathing routines, remember to trim your dog's nails every few weeks or when they click against the floor. This will keep the paws healthy and snag free.

Brushes for Japug

Slicker Brush

Nail Clipper

Brushing Frequency

DailyWeeklyMonthly

Japug Temperament

If you imagine the perfect companion for cuddling on the couch or growing old beside you, then you can pretty much imagine what the Japug is like. This is a very even-tempered and well-mannered dog. He is not high energy in any way, does not bark often, and would prefer to sit on the couch and watch TV with you as opposed to going for a long walk. While this is a very sweet dog, the Japug tends to do better with older children and calm animals. He can get very shy around high energy and doesn't like loud noises at all. The Japug is easy to train, and although he isn't the most intelligent dog out there, he is plenty smart enough to figure out what you need and do it willingly. If you are looking for a loyal, sweet, and calm dog to add to your life, the Japug may be the perfect pet for you.

Japug Activity Requirements

Based on the energy levels of the Pug and the Japanese Chin, it can be expected that while the Japug will have energy enough to go for short walks, he isn't going to run circles around you. This breed is very low energy and will remain fit with just a short and simple walk each day. Training and a good game of fetch in the yard are plenty to send this little dog off to a solid nap, so if you are someone who doesn't want a dog that takes a lot of wearing out, the Japug is the way to go. Keep in mind that while this breed is not typically ill-mannered or high-strung, early socialization and traning are still going to be important when it comes to teaching basic manners; so training is a great way to tire out your dog in a very productive way.